HRVic's latest program brings people with lived experience and authentic, relevant, real-world, CURRENT experience with: substance use - various substances, injecting and otherwise experience with Hepatitis B - living with and treatment of experience with Hepatitis C- living with and treatment of experience with HIV - prevention and treatment experience with stigma & discrimination in healthcare settings, in the workplace etc. as a person who uses drugs in Victoria/Australia, and/ or as a person with a BBV HRVic's lived experience speakers are trained, remunerated and given ongoing support by HRVic and choose to speak candidly of our experiences publically at forums, conferences, panels and presentations. We at HRVic and we as peers and speakers feel that sharing real experience and putting real faces to real stories is the only way educate, enlighten and inform health workers and to challenge and combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs and people with BBVs. For More Information about booking a 'Speaking Peer- spectively ' lived experience speaker or to enquire about becoming a speaker on HRVic's 'Speaking Peer-spectively' team please email admin@hrvic.org.au or call 9329 1500.

DanceWize team members come from all over Victoria, from all walks of life, and all backgrounds with a love of and lived experience of the festival/doof/party and EDM communities the thread they all have in common. Invaluable knowledge, empathy, integrity, and motivation from their own experiences accompanies every DW key peer educator on each shift. All DW team members and team leads identify as peers to the communities of people who use drugs in the music scenes that they love and as such, allow for a greater understanding of their community members' experiences, equipping them with the skills and empathy needed to provide relevant, nonjudgmental support to festival patrons who use drugs. Volunteers are inducted and trained to fulfil the role of Key Peer Educator (KPE). DanceWize KPEs have several areas of responsibility at an event including roving, brief interventions and education, info sharing and care interventions. Volunteer intake and induction training happens during the winter season only. Once you have submitted a completed online form (button below), you will be added to our monthly DW Peer E-Newsletter, which includes all new information about training opportunities. You should start receiving this E-News straight away but you can always keep updated through our facebook page and groups. As DanceWize provides 1 on 1 care in Click on the link and fill out the form. NEW Vollys VOLUNTEER HERE Current KPEs What Does A DanceWIze Volunteer KPE Do? Care Interventions Care interventions mostly occur on site, at events within the DanceWize space; an airconditioned/heated, private, safe, chill space dedicated to providing support and 1:1 care to patrons experiencing distress or just needing a break. KPEs provide various types of care depending on the needs of each individual patron. The DW Chill space is always co-located with onsite medical services and we monitor our patrons carefully while awake or asleep to determine if they need further care or support. Roving Care Roving Care teams consist of a minimum of two KPEs walking throughout event grounds, campsites and party perimeters , keeping an eye out for people who may be feeling less than great or are confused. Our Rovers can provide support either directly through supplies they have on hand and support or if necesary can radio the DW Chill space, security or medical if needed. Our rovers have radio contact with all necessary service providers. Our DW Rovers are on the look out for signs of overdose or distress, and are often the first point of contact for a patron needing further intervention or assistance. GBV/ Trauma Counsellor The role of a GBV/Trauma Counsellor is specialised and requires volunteers to have appropriate post grad qualifications in Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, or for someone to have had extensive experience in the community services sector. Interviews will take place for these roles with the GBV Service Manager and a Team Coordinator Brief Interventions Brief interactions occur either onsite at an event or in transit to and from an event or in the DanceWize/HRVic office /NSP environment . KPEs and staff assist patrons and service providers alike to learn more about substance use, polydrug interactions, myth busting, drugs and the law, and referrals to services as required. Our KPEs are extensively trained to be able to answer questions that patrons might have regarding drugs, safer use, and other health and self care tips. We have extensive resources produced by HRVic and DW as well as other orgs available at every event, alongside consumables such as sunscreen, water and hydrating powders, lollypops, ear plugs, hand sanitiser, masks, condoms and NSP equipment. Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Mental Health services The GBV and Mental Health Service offers a comprehensive suite of services , and festivals can choose which activities they would like to engage with. The service is focused on interventions that target the whole festival community. For more info please click HERE. DW Team Lead Experienced KPEs can apply to become a Team Leader, and if successful receive extra training and support to fulfil higher duties of responsibility in leading teams of KPEs at events. Some Team Lead roles at specific events are casual paid roles. Apply to be a Trauma Counsellor or Roving Active Bystander

PAMS HISTORY The Long & Short of it...... The Short...... Since its beginnings in 2000, PAMS has evolved on a number of fronts. The service was originally established to help express consumer-related complaints and grievances, but has moved on to the negotiation and solving of these issues. This development was driven by service users, most of who are less interested in making a complaint than having their problem actually solved, usually within a short space of time. Other developments since the service first began include: the number of cases dealt with by PAMS has increased annually the name of the service has changed from MACS (Methadone Advocacy and Complaints Service) to PAMS the method of data collection and analysis has been computerised the service has become more widely known across the drug treatment sector the service has become increasingly professional. From small beginnings, PAMS has grown into a established service that plays a vital role within the Victorian opiate pharmacotherapy system. The Long..... The Pharmacotherapy, Advocacy, Mediation and Support’ (PAMS) Service was conceived by a small group of methadone consumers who used to meet regularly at the office of VIVAIDS (the Victorian Drug User Organisation) in the mid to late 1990s. A number of people in this group had experienced a range of problems with their methadone program they were not able to address effectively on their own. Further still, the group members felt there was no avenue through which they could get these issues addressed in a timely and effective manner. As a result, VIVAIDS undertook some qualitative, action based research to investigate the nature of these pharmacotherapy consumer concerns. This report ( ‘pale blue report’ by Kirsty and Nicola) is available upon request from pams@hrvic.org.au . In the year 2000, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre was funded by the Commonwealth Government to run a number of trials of ‘new’ pharmacotherapies, including buprenorphine (mono formulation), slow release oral morphine and leva alpha acetyl methanol (LAAM). These trials were undertaken as part of the ‘National Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence’ (NEPOD). Turning Point then agreed to fund VIVAIDS to pilot a telephone service for the pharmacotherapy consumer group to address the need for any of the following: Information and support Resolution of complaints and grievances Advocacy Mediation Referral Although the service was funded by Turning Point, it was available to any pharmacotherapy consumer in Victoria. The service focussed on the resolution of pharmacotherapy consumer related complaints and grievances and was called the ‘Methadone Advocacy and Complaints-resolution Service’ (MACS) and located at the VIVAIDS office in Carlton. MACS was promoted to the methadone consumer group at pharmacies, GP clinics, community health services, NSPs, welfare services, community legal centres and housing agencies. MACS initially operated from a mobile number, it was run by one staff member (who coordinated the service) and was available from 10AM to 6PM, Monday to Friday. A steering group was established to provide advice and strategic direction for MACS. Members of the steering group included: A GP (experienced pharmacotherapy prescriber), A pharmacist (experienced in the dispensing of methadone), A consumer representative (on a methadone program), The coordinator of MACS, A representative from Turning Point (clinical services), The manager of VIVAIDS Representatives from other relevant alcohol and drug services. In keeping with the other VIVAIDS programs and projects, MACS maintained a strong focus on peer support and representation. The methadone consumer group had access to a peer support worker (from MACS/VIVAIDS), GPs had access to another GP prescriber and pharmacists had access to a pharmacist (pharmacotherapy dispenser) through MACS. The GPs and pharmacists who provided support to their peers involved in a MACS case were available on an ‘on call’ basis. VIVAIDS chose to operate MACS in this way because peers have credibility amongst their peer group. It was also because MACS was new and unknown to GPs and pharmacists and the best way to promote it was again, through the respective professions (peer groups). In practice, this resulted in MACS operating in the following way: A methadone consumer contacted MACS because he felt that his GP (prescriber) did not understand his need for more than one methadone TAD per week. The consumer maintained that he had just been offered part-time work in a family company; nobody in his family knew he was on the program and he said he could not get to his pharmacy during working hours. The consumer said that if he disclosed to his family that he was on the program, any offer of work would be withdrawn. The MACS worker would discuss the issue with the consumer and try to work out a possible solution. The consumer said he would require a minimum of 3 TADs per week in order to work for his family. The MACS worker established that the current dosing point was the only pharmacy with a vacancy in the area. The MACS worker would ensure that permission was obtained from the consumer to contact their GP. The MACS worker would then contact the GP prescriber who provides peer support to other GPs involved in any MACS ‘case’ (MACS GP). This GP then contacts the consumer’s prescriber and discusses the issue. The MACS GP then calls the MACS worker and a course of action is agreed upon. For example, a compromise in this scenario might be that the consumer can have a total for 3 TADs per week, but not for 3 days in a row. The MACS worker then puts to possible solution to the consumer and the MACS GP suggests the same solution to the consumer’s GP prescriber. If all parties agree, no further negotiation is required, if not then both the MACS worker and the MACS GP may go through the same process again until an agreement has been negotiated on behalf of the consumer and his service provider. Theoretically, this was an equitable, unique and supportive way to operate the service. However, due to the need to depend on the availability of the MACS GP (also a current prescriber with his/her own case load) and the MACS Pharmacist (also running his/her own pharmacy) and to resolve the cases quickly, (often so a consumer could dose within 24 hours), it simply became impractical. As the number of cases dealt with by the service rapidly increased, there was simply not enough time to utilise the services of the MACS GP and Pharmacist. Over time MACS gradually became known to GPs, Pharmacists and the methadone consumer group. After running the pilot for 12 months, (funded by Turning Point), VIVAIDS had collected enough data to indicate that MACS was a useful and effective service. VIVAIDS took the data to the Victorian Department of Health, (Drugs Policy and Services) and they agreed to fund the service. The Victorian Department of Health (DoH) have continued to fund the service to this day. After buprenorphine was approved by the TGA and registered on the PBS, meaning it became available as a treatment for opioid dependence in Victoria, MACS changed its name to the ‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy and Complaints-resolution Service’ (PACS). However, PACS had a problem in as the name included the word ‘complaint’. Unfortunately, this resulted in GPs and Pharmacists feeling that “somebody had complained” (about them). This left providers feeling ‘on the back foot’ and defensive before any conversation had taken place. PACS was also compromised by the fact that it had no powers of enforcement to effectively deal with consumer complaints and grievances. If a pharmacotherapy provider did not want to negotiate with the PACS worker, there was often very little the service could do resulting in consumers feeling frustrated, powerless and that they had wasted their time. Interestingly enough, the majority of consumers in direct contact with PACS did not want to make complaints as such, they had problems they wanted resolved effectively and efficiently. These issues culminated in the name and the focus of the service changing. PACS changed its name to the ‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy, Mediation and Support’ (PAMS) Service. This new name accurately reflects the role of the PAMS Service. PAMS SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION ADVOCACY The PAMS service primarily works on resolving individual pharmacotherapy consumer-related problems and concerns. Through its work, the service develops a unique perspective into and an understanding of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Service System. This specific knowledge and insight is often requested by policymakers, researchers and professional groups. For example PAMS has been involved in the following: Research Sub-Optimal Dosing of Methadone in Victoria Role of Methadone Take Away Doses in NSW and Victoria Post-Surveillance Marketing of Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) Pharmacotherapy Funding Models Study Reviews Review of the Pharmacotherapy Rural Outreach Workers (PROW) Review of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Program (2010) Review of the Specialist Pharmacotherapy Service (2013) Committees Harm Minimisation Committee (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Victorian Branch) Victorian Department of Health – Pharmacotherapy Reform Advisory Committee Inner East Medicare Local Pharmacotherapy Committee Policy Development Pharmacotherapy Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence (2008) – Victorian Pharmacotherapy Guidelines Pharmacotherapy Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence (2013) – Victorian Pharmacotherapy Guidelines Buprenorphine-Naloxone Prescribing for Non-Registered GPs (2013)

HRVic's PAMS service provides info and help with and around Methadone/Suboxone/Subutex programs in Victoria PAMS Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation Support A phone service that assists with methadone / Suboxone / long-acting bupe injection (Buvidal / Sublocade) issues between clients and prescribers and dispensers. FREE CALL 1800 443 844 HRVic's PAMS service is Victoria's only pharmacotherapy advocacy and mediation service. PAMS is a telephone service ONLY. You will need to call the PAMS phone line if you have any enquiries or issues that are not in the Client or Providers FAQ sections. Please note: As we are a state-wide phone service, please be patient- you may get the answering machine when you call. If you do- PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE -include your first name, and a short message about your issue and a CONTACT number we can reach you on. *If your issue is URGENT, or you are calling from a prison or detention facility where a call back is difficult, please state that in your message along with a time you will call back or we can call you. Please do not keep calling if you get the answer machine as this only takes up our time checking messages when we could be calling you or someone else back. PAMS is a confidential service – we do not discuss you or your situation with any other party without your consent. (As we are a telephone service, consent is, in most cases, provided verbally.) CLIENTS New or Existing Patients SERVICE PROVIDERS Prescribers / Dispensers WHAT IS PHARMACOTHERAPY? Pharmacotherapy, when used with regard to substance use refers to the replacement of a person’s drug of dependence with a legally prescribed and dispensed substitute. HISTORY OF PAMS The information provided here is for people whose opioid dependency has currently become problematic or unmanageable for them. The most commonly used opioids in Australia today are prescription formulations (codeine, oxycontin, morphine, fentanyl, etc), illicit opioids such as heroin, and the pharmacotherapy medications methadone and buprenorphine. All opioids have the potential to produce physical dependence. Pharmacotherapy for opioid users is sometimes referred to as Opioid Replacement Therapy/Treatment (ORT), Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program (OPP), or Opioid Substitution Therapy/Treatment (OST) and now Medically Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependency (MATOD). Though maybe not for everyone, many find that pharmacotherapy has the ability to stabilise their condition, allowing them to devote more time to managing or repairing their lives. Once stabilised, clients may find they wish to strive for a drug-free existence by slowly reducing their dosage – or else they may be satisfied with a maintenance program and stay stable. Pharmacotherapy has been found to reduce opiate-related harm to both the individual and society. Though other treatments exist (cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT) , drug detoxification and (rehab) treatment centres etc., being on a pharmacotherapy program is at present our most effective answer to the problems associated with opioid dependence. Pharmacotherapy programs are available throughout most of Australia. However, each state or territory has its own pharmacotherapy policy and programs can vary considerably. CLICK HERE for PAMS During COVID19 INFO PHARMACOTHERAPY CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN VICTORIA (AUSTRALIA) There are four different pharmacotherapy drugs available in Victoria. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages. When deciding with your doctor which is right for you, it may be helpful to check out our fact sheets below: METHADONE Methadone Syrup , Biodone Forte (liquid) Physeptone* (tablet) *Only available for travel SUBUTEX Buprenorphine (sublingual tablet) SUBOXONE Buprenorphine / Naloxone (sublingual film) NALTREXONE (tablet, subcutaneous implant, injection) BUVIDAL™/ SUBLOCADE™ Depot Buprenorphine (long acting buprenorphine injection) VICTORIA REASONS TO CALL PAMS: • you can’t get a dose or a number of doses • you have been told to get a new prescriber or pharmacy due to a problem • you feel you have been discriminated against or treated unfairly by your pharmacist or GP • are thinking of starting or resuming a pharmacotherapy program and have any questions or there is a problem or concern you are travelling inter-state or overseas and are on a pharmacotherapy program and need more information travelling OR If you are a prescriber or dispenser in need of information or advice, on ANY client related issue or concern All calls are entirely confidential. PAMS is a free, partially government-funded service. HOURS OF OPERATION PAMS is open from 11 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday. INTERSTATE PHONE: PH: 03 93291500 or Email us: pams@hrvic.org.au NB: Email enquiries MAY take up to 72 hours for a response as we prioritise telephone enquiries. *Please note that our 'free-call' number is unfortunately NOT free from mobile phones. If you are calling from a mobile, let us know and we will call you straight back. OTHER STATES PHARMACOTHERAPY SERVICES NOT IN VICTORIA? If you are NOT in Victoria and you have a problem with your program, your local your state or territory drug-user organisation may be able to help you. QLD – Queensland Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation & Support Service (QPAMS) PH: 1800 175 889 – a program of the Queensland Drug User Organisation (QUIVAA) WA – Opiate Replacement Pharmacotherapy Advocacy and Complaints Service ( ORPACS) PH: (08) 9321 2877 – a program of the WA Drug User Organisation (WASUA) NSW – MACS a program of Rankin Court (public clinic) PH: 1800 642 428 SA- DASSA Drug & Alcohol Services SA PH: 1300 13 1340 Check the AIVL (the national drug user organisation) website or phone AIVL directly on 02 62791600 for more info on your state.

HRVic is a community based and governed not-for-profit organisation. Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs. HRVic BOARD 2021-2022 "The speed of decision making is the essence of good governance. -Piyush Goyal 1/1 ROBYN DWYER president@hrvic.org.au Robyn Dwyer has more than 20 years’ experience in harm reduction and drugs research. She has worked at several research and health centres in Melbourne and Sydney, including the National Drug Research Institute, Burnet Institute and Kirketon Road Centre. Robyn currently works at the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University. In all her work, Robyn aims to give voice to people who choose to consume drugs and to challenge stereotypes and false ideas that perpetuate stigma and discrimination experienced by the drug consumer community. Robyn joined the Board of HRVic in 2011 and has served as Board President since 2015. Picture 1 KATIA LALLO Katial@hrvic.org.au Katia is a community lawyer and advocate for the rights of criminalised people and communities. Her work is informed by de-carceration and grassroots organising, especially in the space of community legal education. Katia is interested in the way the law impacts on the lives of people who consume drugs, and its implications for individual and community safety and self-determination. Katia is a community lawyer and advocate for the rights of criminalised people and communities. Her work is informed by de-carceration and grassroots organising, especially in the space of community legal education. Katia is interested in the way the law impacts on the lives of people who consume drugs, and its implications for individual and community safety and self-determination. Picture 2 TONY WYATT tonyw@hrvic.org.au Tony has over 15 years of board level experience across the public, commercial & not for profit sectors, with particular experience in the health and pharmaceutical sector. Board level highlights include: Member of the DHHS Methadone Advisory Committee; Executive Director of the HPS Board and Member of the HPS Shareholder Committee. As a Non-Executive Director he contributed to the development of one of the first non-Government community AOD treatment centres in Victoria and later took over the management of the not for profit program at Moreland Hall. Tony advocated to the PBS on 2 separate occasions to have methadone added to the PBS and worked on a number of pharmacotherapy innovations. With a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Pharmacy and as a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Tony has a range of ways to contribute to the HRVic Board . Picture 3 PENNY HILL pennyh@hrvic.org.au Penny Hill is the current Deputy Secretary of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs, Oceania Representative to the International Drug Policy Consortium’s Members Advisory Council, Board Member of Harm Reduction Australia, Vice President of Harm Reduction Victoria, and co-founder of Students for Sensible Drug Policy Australia. Penny has recently submitted her PhD thesis focussed on opioid overdose through the Burnet Institute, and currently works as an Emerging Drugs Research Fellow at UNSW. Penny started working in the harm reduction sector as an NSP worker, and has substantial experience working and volunteering in various harm reduction services, including peer-led supervised consumption sites, festival spaces and drug checking services in Australia, New Zealand and Canada . Picture 4 PETER HIGGS peterh@hrvic.org.au ‘Growing up’ in the inner suburbs of Sydney while studying a social work degree pre NSP in the mid-1980s meant learning lots about drugs and the people who use them. My first job in Melbourne in 1988 was on the North Melbourne high-rise housing estate which was ‘awash with heroin’. This led me to work with families who were greatly impacted and very confused about harm reduction. Much of my work over the past 25 years has been in and around the Footscray ‘street scene’ through a range of different iterations - with a couple of long stints in Vietnam doing HIV peer-based prevention work. Most of my recent work has a focus on hep C and changes in drug use patterns. I’m keen to give what knowledge and support I can to HRVic as I step back in my paid research work roles and look forward to the opportunities available. Picture 5 GABY BRUNING gabylb@hrvic.org.au Gaby has been working primarily with Aboriginal clients in the AOD sector for the last 8 years as an AOD Clinician and Harm Reduction Practitioner. I wish to run for the Board because I believe in HRVic, and I believe in advocating for the human rights of people who use drugs. Picture 6 CRAIG HARVEY craigh@hrvic.org.au My professional background has focused on supporting marginalised communities, those that inject drugs and male sex workers, in the UK. Since arriving in Australia in 2006 I have held a number of both frontline and management roles supporting people who use drugs, with a focus on innovative harm reduction strategies. Picture 7

Hepatitis C- Testing, Treatment & Prevention Are you looking for a GP to prescribe you the new hep C treatment? We have compiled a list of clinics and doctors who are happy to treat people who are currently using drugs without judgement or shame - and who we know are prescribing the new Hep C meds. We have no way of guaranteeing that you will get an appointment but hopefully, with these few tools, it will make the getting of the new hep C treatment a little bit easier for us all. Melbourne Area Northern Suburbs/ Inner North West ReGen -Coburg Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson 26 Jessie St, Coburg VIC 3058 Phone: (03) 9386 2876 Website: www.regen.org.au *Wednesday Afternoons - 2-4:30pm Grantham Street Practice Dr Ohnmar John 69 Grantham Street Brunswick West, VIC 3055 Phone: (03) 9380 1384 Website: http://www.gsgp.com.au/ Lotus Medical Centre Dr Magdy Ramzy Address : Suite 3 & 4 200 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056 Phone: (03) 9380 1588 Website: Northside Clinic All GPs 370 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North VIC 3068 Phone: (03) 9485 7700 Website: www.northsideclinic.net.au Western Suburbs/ Inner West coHealth Healthworks – Footscray Dr 4-12 Buckley Street Footscray VIC 3011 Phone: (03) 9362 8100 Website: https://www.cohealth.org.au Meadows Medical Centre Dr. Michael Aufgang Address: 311 Queen St. Altona Meadows VIC 3028 Phone: (03) 9369 4266 Hours: 9am–6pm Website: coHealth Kensington Dr Nadia Chaves visiting infectious disease specialist. GP referral required. Address: 12 Gower Street, Kensington Phone: (03) 8378 1600 coHealth Joslin Clinic Doctor(s): Dr Erin Gordon Address: 575a Barkly Street, Footscray Phone: (03) 9912 2000 coHealth Paisley St, Footscray Doctor(s): Dr Erin Gordon Address: 78 Paisley Street, Footscray Phone: (03) 8398 4100 Please note: If people are not already a patient at cohealth or Inner Space then they will need to be seen as a new patient, which requires a double appointment. coHealth Braybrook or coHealth Laverton Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson Call 9448 5507 for appointments. Walk in’s are fine but best to call first. Tuesdays – 9.30 -12.30 Inner City coHealth Fitzroy Doctor(s): Dr Ohnmar John, Dr Sophie Mancey-Jones Address : 75 Brunswick St, Fitzroy 3065 Phone: (03) 9411 3555 Please note: If people are not already a patient at cohealth or Inner Space then they will need to be seen as a new patient, which requires a double appointment. coHealth Collingwood Doctor(s): Dr Kate Coles Address : 365 Hoddle St, Collingwood Phone: (03) 9411 4333 Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Doctor(s): Dr Ohnmar John Address : 186 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065 Phone: (03) 9419 3000 Errol St Medical Centre, North Melbourne Doctor(s): Dr Zahra Mokhayer ONLY Address : 65-67 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 Phone: (03) 9329 7011 Victoria Street Acupuncture & Medical Clinic, North Melbourne Doctor(s): Dr John Jagoda Address : 436 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 Phone: (03) 9328 4034 Website: www. vmac.com.au we have a Div 1 Nurse full time on the premises. North Richmond Community Health, North Richmond Doctor(s): All GPs Address : 23 Lennox St, Richmond VIC 3121 Phone: (03) 9418 9800 Website: http://www.nrch.com.au/ Appointments need to be booked online nrch.com.au Youth Projects Living Room Currently closed for renovations Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson 7-9 Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9662 4488 Website: http://www.youthprojects.org.au/health/programs/living-room *Must be homeless or at risk of homelessness Inner Space- Health Living Clinic Address : 4 Johnston Street, Collingwood Vic 3066 Phone: (03)9468 2800 Website: innerspace.org.au Please note: If people are not already a patient at cohealth or Inner Space then they will need to be seen as a new patient, which requires a double appointment. Inner South Access Health, St Kilda Dr Belinda McDonald, Dr Josephine Samuel-King & Dr Joseph Sherman 31 Grey St, St Kilda VIC 3182 03) 9536 7780 Website:: http://crisisservicesnetwork.org.au/access-health/ Starhealth / Better Health Network Dr Belinda McDonald, & Dr Joseph Sherman 341 Coventry Street South Melbourne 3205 03) 9525 1300 First Step, St Kilda Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson 42 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182 Phone : T: (03) 9537 3177 Website: www.firstep.org.au *Monday Afternoons St Kilda Superclinic Dr Simon Rose Acland Court, 156-160 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182 Phone : (03) 9525 5766 Website: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/Find-Us/Victoria/CrisisServices/Program-Information/Health-Services/ South East Prahran Market Clinic, Prahran Dr. Sven Strecker Pran Central Shopping Centre, 325 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181 Phone : T: (03) 9514 0888 Website: www.prahranmarketclinic.com *Apparently ALL doctors at this clinic are prescribing East/ North East Wantirna Medical Clinic Dr Kristina Flego 103 Harold Street, Wantirna VIC 3152 Phone : T: (03) 9800 2088 Website: Side note: We Need Your Help! At HRVic , we receive calls and emails daily from our community asking about hep C treatment prescribers. We have been compiling a Treatment Prescriber list for the past few years and it is turning out to be much more difficult than we first imagined and a whole lot more work. As well as this, some doctors are asking us to NOT to put them on a list as the few who are prescribing, are over run with patients at the moment. If you are wondering if your GP or a clinic near you is prescribing the new treatments, the best thing to do is CALL the clinic directly and ask them. If you find out that they are or aren’t, then please let us know so we can add it to our list or take them off. We are all in this together and if we can all help each other out the better we will all be for it. We would appreciate any assistance you can give in this matter. Regional Victoria Ballarat Ballarat Community Health *ALL 3 Locations Doctor(s): Hep C Nurse(s)- Kirsty Simpson and/or Chloda Sainsbury* Address : 12 Lilburne St LUCAS, 10 Learmonth Rd WENDOUREE, 260 Vickers St SEBASTOPOL, 19 Heales St SMYTHESDALE Phone : Kirsty- (03) 53384572 , Chloda- (03) 53204211 *Mondays and Wednesdays Romsey Romsey Medical Doctor(s):Dr Paul Grinzi Address : 99 Main Street, Romsey VIC 3434 Phone : (03) 5429 5254 Wodonga, Mildura and Sheparton Doctor(s): Integrated Hep C Clinical Nurse Consultant- Sally Watkinson *please contact Sally for more details sally.watkinson@mh.org.au Gisborne Neal Street Medical Clinic Doctor(s): Dr Ben Crowther Address : 5 Neal St Gisborne VIC Phone : (03) 5483 3333 Drouin West Gippsland Family Practice Doctor(s): All Address : 25 Young Street, Druin VIC 3818 Phone : (03) 56256500 and 03) 56256555 **HAS A VEIN FINDER** Our list is being maintained & updated as often as needed & is possible. If you are getting treated or have been treated and have had a GOOD experience WITHOUT judgement or shame around your substance use or your situation, PLEASE SHARE your story with the rest of our community as some of us are having a difficult time finding an understanding doctor or PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST ON OUR #TREATME FACEBOOK PAGE Find out all the latest on the Direct Acting Antiviral treatments and their effects and speak to others who have had or are thinking about having the new treatments for Hep C, on our HRVic #treatme facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hrvic.treatme ABOUT THE DAAs (DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRALS) Blood Borne Virus Peer Workshops & Staff Training NEXT PEER WORKSHOPS COMING UP NEXT STAFF TRAINING COMING UP

Acerca de Annual General Meeting December 4 2024 @ 3pm Dear members, Harm Reduction Victoria would like to remind you of our 2023-2024 Annual General Meeting which will be happening on: Wednesday DECEMBER 4th 2024 at 3:00pm to 5:00pm. This year we are holding the meeting at Harm Reduction Victoria’s office at: 299-305 Victoria Street, Brunswick VIC 3056. We are also able to offer online access to the AGM via Teams. If a vote is needed for Board positions, we will arrange a process and let online attendees know on the day. We are a community, peer organisation and as such it is important that all members get a chance to be involved in our future, so please do join us if you can. Nominating for the Board of HRVic Have you ever thought of being on the Board of a not for profit organisation who advocates and works for something you are passionate about? Being on the Board of a peer-based, membership-based community organisation is a great way to contribute to your community and it can be rewarding and enjoyable. Being on the Board is also a responsibility and requires a level of commitment to attend regular meetings and do some reading and preparation for these meetings . Realistically, participating on the Board will take about 4-5 hours each month. HRVic seeks people who may currently use drugs or have used drugs in the past, and others who support HRVic’s mission and purposes, to join the Board. We want people who are passionate and willing to participate in governance or willing to learn. If you are thinking about nominating to join the Board, HRVic requires that you meet with the CEO and a member of the Board executive before submitting your nomination form. The Board nomination form needs to be received by HRVic no later than one week before the AGM. This year, forms have to be received at HRVic before midnight on the 27th of November 2024. Please organise to meet with the CEO and a member of the Board a few weeks before this date. The meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions about HRVic, the Board and what’s involved in being a Board member. It’s also an opportunity for HRVic to find out more about you – your experiences, skills and reasons for wanting to join the Board of HRVic. Based on our legal obligations and organisational needs, HRVic reserves ththe right to not accept a Board nomination. What happens if my nomination is accepted? 1. You need to provide a short statement about who you are and why you want to join the Board. This will be sent out to the members so they can learn about the candidates. 2. You will have to complete the Board nomination form and you will have to have another member of HRVic formally second your nomination (this means having another member signing the form to say they support your nomination). 3. You then attend the AGM and speak to your nomination. Members attending the AGM vote to appoint the Board members, with a ballot if the number of nominees is greater than the number of vacant positions. Voting at the HRVic AGM HRVic members attending the AGM are asked to vote to accept the minutes of the previous AGM, vote to accept the Financial Report, vote to approve the appointment of Auditors for the forthcoming financial year and vote to appoint the nominees to the Board of HRVic. You will leave a voting expert if you came a voting virgin. Only members of HRVic are allowed to vote at the HRVic AGM. This year the HRVic AGM will be hybrid- meaning voting will be held both online and in person. If an election needs to be held to vote for members of the Board of HRVic (i.e. when the number of people nominating to the Board is higher than the number of vacant positions on the Board), we will run hybrid voting where HRVic members can vote for candidates during the meeting either online or in-person. VOTING BY PROXY If you are not able to attend the AGM, you can vote by proxy. This means you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf (using the Appointment of Proxy form). You can appoint as your proxy the Board Secretary or another HRVic member. Any HRVic member can only be a proxy for TWO other HRVic members. You can allow your appointed proxy to choose how to vote on your behalf or you can indicate your preferred candidates. The names of candidates who have nominated to the Board will be emailed to members on Thursday, 28th of November 2024 and also posted to the HRVic website. Please email admin@hrvic.org.au if you need a proxy form. PLEASE NOTE: If you are not on the list of members (including where we have your name as a nickname), you will not be able to vote. PLEASE ENSURE WE HAVE YOUR DETAILS CORRECT TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN VOTE. This is especially important for members voting online and will only be able to do this if the name they use when they join the online AGM is the same as the name we have on our list of members. If you are not sure if you are a member, it is important that you confirm your membership before the AGM. You can email us at admin@hrvic.org.au to confirm your membership. If you would like to become a vote at an AGM, HRVic must receive your membership application 30 days before the AGM. AGM Forms Available Here INVITE AGENDA NOMINATION FORM 2023 Minutes VOTING INFO 2022/23 Annual Report For Online Attendees: TEAMS LINK to Join AGM 2023-24 Join AGM Online Notes For TEAMS Meeting Attendees We will have a waiting room system and will admit people from 2:30pm onwards. All attendees will be muted on entry by default. As per normal practice, we will check off members as we admit attendees into the virtual 'meeting room'. If you are a member, please ensure your TEAMS nameplate reflects your member name so we can count your vote if needed. We will assign members an “M” in their TEAMS nameplate, so that we can identify members easily during the proceedings. Members who are sharing a computer: Please message us at the start of the meeting at the HRVic Zoom Account so the Secretary can count your vote JOIN HRVIC (to Vote NEXT year) Board Nominees

Expressions Of Interest Interested individuals should Email submissions, Including: 1. A detailed Curriculum Vitae / Resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications. 2. A cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your skills and experience align with the Key Selection Criteria and Key Accountabilities in the Position Description below. 3. Contact details of two references who can speak to your suitability for the role. Email: admin@hrvic.org.au Due Date: CLOSED Subject Line: “DW Coordinator EOI application” Harm Reduction Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals to fulfill the position of DanceWize Coordinator. DanceWize Coordinator Position Description Harm Reduction Victoria DanceWize Program Coordinator Hours per Week: 30.4 (.8 EFT) Award Classification: SCHADS Award 2010: Social & Community Services Level 5 (dependent on experience) Position Objective: The DanceWize Coordinator leads operational activities of HRVic’s DanceWize (DW) Program, coordinating DW casual staff and volunteers to increase peer advice and referral at key dance/festival events, with the aim of reducing the incidence and impact of drug-related harms at events in Victoria. This includes coordinating a DanceWize drop-in care space at events and the delivery of harm reduction resources and messages to people who use drugs. This role may require the observation of drug-affected peers and appropriate referrals to first aid or emergency services as required. The DanceWize Coordinator will also be responsible for maintaining a range of event stakeholder relationships including with emergency services personnel, managing program budgets and inventory, setting cultural and professional expectations for staff and volunteers, contributing to policy work and campaigns relevant to music events, and leading the strategic development of the DanceWize Program. - To work with the CEO, Organisational Services team, and Finance Officer on timely program budget maintenance, including prompt reconciliation of expenditures. - To contribute to setting priorities for the program, within budget constraints based on funding, in collaboration with the CEO, Organisational Services, and the Finance Officer - Coordinate the safe use of the work vehicle - Coordinate the monitoring of DanceWize inventory Key accountabilities Operational and Event Activity Program Management Team Management / Volunteer oversight To develop DanceWize Operational Plan components for service delivery at events, in collaboration with other DW staff, including rosters and pre-event preparation. - To liaise with external staff involved in the promotion and production of events such as venue staff, security, promoters, emergency management stakeholders and permit issuers and report as needed to the HRVic CEO. - In collaboration with DW staff, develop and maintain mechanisms to evaluate and document the service delivery operations of the program to meet all data collection and reporting requirements, including reporting to funders and stakeholders - To coordinate and manage the DanceWize Team, in consultation with other DW staff - Coordinate a team of volunteer KPEs and collaborate with other DW staff - Ensure ongoing recruitment, training and ongoing support of DanceWize volunteers -Provision and recording of professional development for volunteers - Plan fortnightly meetings for DanceWize volunteers and co-facilitating /co- convening with other DW staff and guest trainers Team Duties Key Relationships - To be an active and contributing member of the HRVic team, fostering a healthy, collaborative and productive working environment. - Maintain a high level of professionalism in the conduct of all work-related duties. - Attend and contribute to HRVic team meetings, and other relevant meetings, as required. - Participate in professional development and training, sharing relevant insights and developments with team members. - Participate in operation of NSP - Other reasonable duties as directed by the CEO. Internal - Chief Executive Officer - Organisational Services Coordinator - DanceWize staff - DanceWize Volunteer Team External - Dance event promoters, communications personnel and contractors eg. health providers, security staff etc - Health providers and other health professionals - Emergency health services - Victoria Police - Researchers Key Selection Criteria Essential - An intimate knowledge and understanding of the health, social and legal iss ues that affect people who are part of the dance party scene. This must include a sophisticated understanding of the pharmacology of drugs commonly used within the community, the social and cultural contexts in which these substances are used and the factors that can contribute to increased risk of harms. - The capacity to work closely and to interact effectively with people in the dance party industry and with local and State government representatives, police and emergency and other health service providers. - Demonstrated experience managing and leading volunteers. - Excellent written communication skills, including demonstrated experience producing project/activity reports and contributing to funding submissions. - Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines in a demanding work environment. - Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders including government and community health organisations, event promoters, venue staff and researchers. - Enthusiasm, confidence and the ability to work autonomously, as part of a diverse team and in the supervision of co-workers and volunteers. - The capacity and willingness to, on occasion, be on call at dance music parties and events for up to four consecutive days/nights. - Competent computer skills, including a functional knowledge of Word and Excel as well as common internet and email applications. - A current legal entitlement to drive a car in Victoria. - A significant, personalised experience of the issues affecting people who use illicit drugs - Formal or informal experience in harm reduction-oriented peer education. - A work and/or volunteering history that clearly attests to the candidate’s reliability, honesty and the capacity to adhere to policy guidelines and work-place procedures. - Working With Children Check Desirable -Experience working with DanceWize or other festival / event peer harm reduction services - Formal qualifications and/or demonstrated professional or volunteer experience in community development, health promotion or similar disciplines. Position Description .PDF Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interview. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who reflect the diversity of our community. Harm Reduction Victoria is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting inclusivity and preventing discrimination. If you have any questions or require further information about this opportunity, please contact Sione Crawford at admin@hrvic.org.au We look forward to receiving your expression of interest. Please note that the role is currently being filled on a fixed-term basis and that there may be internal applicants. Join The Team

BUPERENORPHINE NALOXONE Suboxone Suboxone is the more widely used of the two formulations of buprenorphine available to opiate pharmacotherapy consumers in Victoria. Subutex is the other. Buprenorphine is increasingly popular as an alternative to methadone. Suboxone contains a 4:1 ratio of buprenorphine/naloxone . Naloxone, an opiate antagonist, reverses the effects of opiates. Under the brand name Narcan, it is used intravenously to assist overdose victims, and is only present in Suboxone as a deterrent to injection (see below). When Suboxone is taken sub-lingually (beneath the tongue), the naloxone has no pharmacological effect. Only 1-4% of the naloxone is absorbed by the system, and after an hour this small amount has left the system. Film & Tablets: Suboxone is available in in 2mg and 8mg strengths, coming in two forms: a sub-lingual tablet and, more recently, a sub-lingual film (similar to a Listerine strip). Both are placed beneath the tongue, where they are absorbed directly into the blood-stream through the mucous membrane. (In the case of the film, the inside of the cheek may also be used.) The effects of the tablets and the film are effectively identical, though trials of film showed a slightly higher bioavailability (i.e. just a little more reaches the system.) NB: The tablet form of Suboxone will not be available in Victoria after 31 Aug 2013. Basic Pharmacology of Buprenorphine Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds strongly to the same receptors as other opiates, but stimulates them only weakly, producing very little of an opiate effect. Once the buprenorphine molecule is locked onto the receptor, it remains there much longer than other opiates like heroin and methadone. If such drugs are taken while on buprenorphine, their effects will be much reduced. Buprenorphine’s affinity for the receptor is powerful enough to displace opiates like heroin and methadone. For this reason, the initial dose of buprenorphine should be low (i.e. < 8mg) and, ideally, the client should be in the first stages of opioid withdrawal. If a dependent client takes a large dose of buprenorphine after recent use of heroin – or before the onset of withdrawal – the buprenorphine can precipitate immediate and full withdrawal. This is an extremely unpleasant, uncomfortable experience to be avoided at all cost. The Ceiling Effect An interesting feature of buprenorphine is its ceiling effect. Up to a certain point, the more buprenorphine that is taken, the greater the opiate effect. Past that point, increasing the dose only results in a longer duration of action and no increased opiate effect. This means that some people can have their daily dose increased (usually doubled) and the dose will last for two days instead of one. This can be very useful for those who have difficulty reaching their dosing points, and can remove the need for take aways during the first month of treatment. NB: Suboxone take aways are not available in these two day doses, i.e. if you are on 8mg, and receive 16mg to take away, it counts as two take-aways, not one. Though scientific evidence is scant, this ceiling effect presumably varies with the individual. The maximum allowable dose of buprenorphine is 32mg. If Suboxone is taken as recommended, the naloxone should have no effect. Any small amount that is absorbed will leave the body within one hour of dosing. Injecting Suboxone If Suboxone is injected, the naloxone and buprenorphine will compete to occupy the receptors, causing an uncomfortable delay before any effects are felt. The buprenorphine will eventually displace the naloxone, but up to twenty minutes may pass before this occurs. If another opiate, like heroin or oxycodone, is present in the system when injecting Suboxone, precipitated withdrawal will result, as the opiate will be rapidly displaced by both the buprenorphine and naloxone. Injecting Suboxone carries serious health risks and is not recommended. If the medication is removed from the mouth prior to injection, these risks are compounded. For more information about the harms associated with injecting Suboxone, please contact PAMS. Take Away Doses of Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) The number of take away doses available for those taking Suboxone depends on their stability and how long they have been on the program. For the first two weeks of treatment, clients must attend each day for their dose. After this, if the client is considered stable, some take-away doses may be prescribed, see below for further details: After two weeks of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 2 take away doses per week After two months of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 5 take away doses per week After six months of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 6 take away doses per week Minimal Supervision Regime The Minimal Supervision Regime or MSR is an additional category of of take away doses available to people who have been receiving Suboxone for a considerable period of time, and who have been assessed as very stable by their doctor. Under the MSR consumers may receive up to a 28 day supply of Suboxone at any one time. This type of supply can be dispensed like any other medication in a single, labelled container. To access the MSR a client must arrange to have their GP consult with an Addiction Medicine Specialist (AMS). If satisfied that the client is stable, the specialist will then sign off on a separate, dedicated permit. It may also be neccessary for the client to have a one-off consultation with the AMS.

Subutex is the less widely used of two buprenorphine formulations available to opiate pharmacotherapy consumers in Victoria, (Suboxone being the other). Subutex is a mono-formulation of buprenorphine available in 0.4, 2 & 8mg sub-lingual tablets. It was the first buprenorphine product to become available in Victoria, but has been largely superseded by Suboxone (a buprenorphine/naloxone formulation.) The presence of the opiate antagonist naloxone in Suboxone makes it less attractive than Subutex to clients who may wish to divert their dose with intention of injecting it. Because of the harms associated with this practice, doctors are less willing to prescribe Subutex and take away doses are only available in a handful of circumstances. Subutex tablets are placed beneath the tongue, where they are absorbed directly into the blood-stream through the mucous membrane. Clients on low doses sometimes find Subutex preferable because the 0.4mg tablet can allow for more accurate dosing. Basic Pharmacology of Buprenorphine Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds strongly to the same receptors as other opiates, but stimulates them only weakly, producing very little of an opiate effect. Once the buprenorphine molecule is locked onto the receptor, it remains there much longer than other opiates like heroin and methadone. If such drugs are taken while on buprenorphine, their effects will be much reduced. Buprenorphine’s affinity for the receptor is powerful enough to displace opiates like heroin and methadone. For this reason, the initial dose of buprenorphine should be low (i.e. < 8mg) and, ideally, the client should be in the first stages of opioid withdrawal. If a dependent client takes a large dose of buprenorphine after recent use of heroin – or before the onset of withdrawal – the buprenorphine can precipitate immediate and full withdrawal. This is an extremely unpleasant, uncomfortable experience to be avoided at all cost. The Ceiling Effect An interesting feature of buprenorphine is its ceiling effect. Up to a certain point, the more buprenorphine that is taken, the greater the opiate effect. Past that point, increasing the dose only results in a longer duration of action and no increased opiate effect. This means that some people can have their daily dose increased (usually doubled) and the dose will last for two days instead of one. This can be very useful for those who have difficulty reaching their dosing points, and can remove the need for take aways during the first month of treatment. Though scientific evidence is scant, this ceiling effect presumably varies with the individual. The maximum allowable dose of buprenorphine is 32mg. Injecting Subutex If another opiate – like heroin, methadone or oxycodone – is present in the system when Subutex is injected, precipitated withdrawal may result, as the opioid will be rapidly displaced from opiate receptors by the buprenorphine. Injecting Subutex carries serious health risks and is not recommended. If the medication is removed from the mouth prior to injection, these risks are compounded. For more information about the harms associated with injecting Subutex, please contact PAMS. Take Away Doses of Subutex There are no routine take away doses of Subutex, unless the consumer is: Pregnant and/or breast-feeding Has a documented allergy to the naloxone (present in Suboxone). Is on a dose of <2mg (this because a 0.4mg tablet of buprenorphine is available, but not in the combined buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone) formulation. If a person meets any of the above criteria, take away doses may be provided if the prescriber assesses the client as being stable and there are no other issues of concern. If you have any questions or want to discuss your individual situation, please contact PAMS PH: 1800 443 844.

GP & Prescriber LINKS and Forms POLICIES & APPLICATIONS The Department of Health and Human Services has provided a number of additional resources to complement the revised policy. Pharmacotherapy providers are encouraged to use these resources when prescribing or dispensing to people on opioid replacement therapy. All are available from the Downloads section on the Health.Vic website . Some resources are also available in a number of community languages* Pharmacotherapy Policy 2016 Policy for Issuing Schedule 8 Permits Application for Approval as a Prescriber of Pharmacotherapy Notification Of A Drug Dependent Person NATIONAL CLINICAL GUIDELINES (To be used in conjunction with Victorian Policy) NCG for Methadone NCG for Buprenorphine NCG for Use for Naltrexone

This project is integral to building a strong and resilient living experience workforce and discipline and aligning the sector to better understand peer engagement and in turn offer the best possible service delivery to benefit the health and wellbeing of all PWUD PWUD accessing services fuse initiatives Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic) and the Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) have worked in partnership to support Harm Reduction Peer Workers (HRPW’s) working in mainstream harm reduction services for the last 4 years. We have been able to build on this network and increase the regularity, length, depth and frequency of meetings and support interventions. The partnership will continue to support, mentor, and build on the skills of HRPW’s funded through Reducing Harmful Drug Use Through Peer-led Network (RHDUPLN). We have secured funding to build this living experience workforce and have now become Fuse Initiatives, which includes the very important Fuse Networks (the Victorian living experience community of practice) that offers peer to peer support for this workforce. Fuse Initiatives incorporates greater “meaningful involvement of people who use drugs” and “Nothing about us without us” as core principles and practices, in the development of Fuse Initiatives. This project is integral to building a strong and resilient living experience workforce and discipline and aligning the sector to better understand peer engagement and in turn offer the best possible service delivery to benefit the health and wellbeing of all PWUD accessing services Read Fuse Strategy READ HRPW WHACK 48 Issue Harm Reduction Living and Lived Experience Workforce Discipline Framework Created by Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic), in collaboration with the Victorian Department of Health and the organisations of the Lived and Living Experience Development Project Read HRPW Framework Definitions Victoria has fantastic peer workforces with a range of goals and communities and experiences. We all utilize our experiences to work with our communities. These are some definitions of the specific workforce that Fuse is supporting: • Harm Reduction Peer Worker- someone who is in a defined peer role that brings living experience to their role. They are affected by similar issues – ie. health issues, such as overdose or blood borne virus transmission - as the community they work with and support • Living Experience -Is someone who is accepted by the community of people who use drugs (PWUD) as being part of that community. Their experience of issues related to illicit drug use is current. • PWUD – People who use and or inject drugs. The Primary Aims Provide a support function for HRPW’s through Fuse Networks ( the Victorian living experience community of practice ) Coordinate, convene and co-chair the Fuse Initiatives Advisory Group (FIAG) . FIAG has been developed and will help HRVIC and APSU engage with the funders, PLN stakeholders and HRPWs and encourage transparent information flow between all the key stakeholders Coordinate a Harm Reduction Peer Workforce strategic approach across Victoria Engage with all stakeholders, and enhance their understanding of the principle of meaningful involvement of people who use drugs, and ensure that it is a practice at the centre any work being delivered and asked of the living experience workforce and the programs they work in Key Focus Areas Of Fuse Initiatives Fuse Networks Offer support, mentoring, peer supervision to all HRPWs working in designated roles in AOD and Harm Reduction Affirm that support strategies meet the needs of the HRPWs, use yearly HRPW consultation outcomes to inform our strategies Develop support & supervision frameworks to outline pathways between support intervention to One-on-One peer supervision Develop confidential, non – identifiable means for capturing themes for support interventions Offer support to workers with living experience in non-designated roles, where possible and appropriate Fuse Training • Provide workforce development opportunities • Provide training opportunities for all HRPW’s via different platforms and meet individual skill development needs • Undertake ongoing training needs analysis development through consultation and feedback from HRPWs Fuse Development • Develop organisational readiness training, audits, and stigma and discrimination training for all staff that may work with HRPW’s with a living experience lens • Sector development and training to support a greater understanding of the benefits of the living experience peer workforce • Develop strategic framework to guide the strengthening of the living experience workforce in Victoria Harm Reduction Peer Workers are people with lived or living experience of drug use & overdose risk who are employed in harm reduction roles which promote the health & well being of people who use drugs. Key reflections • HRPW’s have access to community members that do not access mainstream health services, through connections that workers with living experience can best access • HRPW’s are a value add to the services they work in, and can act as a bridge between the service and their service users for better health outcomes • Having a network of HRPWs coming together monthly has been beneficial for all HRPWs, increased regularity and duration has been well received (Key reflections current and from HRPW Consultation, 2020)